Kentucky Derby Festival Sets Stage for 2023
Dates announced for signature events
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 7, 2022) – The Kentucky Derby Festival announced several key dates for their return in 2023. The Festival features a slew of marquee events including Thunder Over Louisville, minimarathon & Marathon, Pegasus Parade, Great Bed Races, the Steamboat Race and WineFest. The Fest-a-Ville will also return with concerts, festive food, family-friendly fun, hot-air balloon displays and midway rides as they celebrate their 15th year.
2023 event dates include:
- April 13-23: $1 Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Contest
- April 21: They’re Off Luncheon
- April 22: Thunder Over Louisville (Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies)*
- April 27: Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront opens*
- April 29: miniMarathon & Marathon
- April 30: Pegasus Parade
- May 1: Great Bed Races*
- May 2: WineFest
- May 3: Great Steamboat Race
*Admission is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin®
The Pegasus Parade is the event that started the Kentucky Derby Festival. The parade stepped off on a Sunday for the first time in 2023, a new tradition that will continue into 2023.
Looking to visit Louisville during the Kentucky Derby Festival? Guests can use Louisville Tourism’s annual Visitor Guide and to plan an itinerary around Louisville’s top experiences including the Kentucky Derby Museum. Travelers also can get attraction, lodging and dining assistance at gotolouisville.com.